Following the Parramatta River, a 35km inner-Sydney walk reveals the best of the city.
Just when I thought that I had done most of the interesting day walks in Sydney my walking buddy, Jakob, came up with a new one that has become a favourite. Starting from Macquarie Park (12km from the CBD) and ending in historical Balmain, this 35km walk showcases the natural and cultural beauty of the Harbour City.
You can start the walk from just outside the Macquarie Shopping Centre near the train station. After a short stroll of 20 minutes, cross over De Burghs Bridge and step into Lane Cove NP. Follow the bicycle track and cross the bridge from underneath. You're now on the Great North Walk until lunchtime. The path meanders down with the river to your left until you reach the Fullers Bridge in less than two hours, which is a nice place for a rest.
After crossing the road the path climbs to a large flat rock platform. Turn left and follow the track for about 10 minutes. You have to look out for the arrow and enter a path to your right where you’ll come through a spot called Fairyland Tea Gardens. It used to be a popular picnic area with a wharf, dance hall, kiosk and playground. Imaging its colourful past, there's now something haunting about the stillness of the place.
Head toward Magdala Park aiming for Buffalo Creek Reserve, where you can break for lunch. After the reserve you’ll leave the Great North Walk and cross over to the Field of Mars. Half an hour of walking through this wildlife sanctuary makes you want to spend more time there. One highlight is the Environmental Educational Centre, featuring considerable flora and fauna with several walking tracks and the historic Field of Mars Cemetery adjacent to the reserve.
The walk is then through some quiet streets before reaching Putney Park, where a short afternoon break can be taken before catching the Mortlake Ferry. It's the only cable ferry on Sydney Harbour and can carry up to 15 cars and their passengers. The 300m ride takes about five minutes and is free. (Timetable: www.rta.nsw.gov.au/usingroads/vehicleferries)
After this there's a solid three to four-hour walk to Balmain. Most of this last leg is scenic and the late afternoon sun changes the mood of the walk. The track goes through Hen & Chicken Bay, Canada Bay, Five Dock and Iron Cove Bay before reaching Balmain.
The walk is mainly along the Parramatta River. There is some street walking again through Five Dock before connecting to Iron Cove where you will walk along the bay, passing through Rodd Point, Lilyfield, Birchgrove and finally Balmain. Round up the day with a beer at any of the great pubs in Balmain.
Words and photo_Daniel Parsa